Chapter 20 - RYAN’S PLEA OFFER
The prosecutor offered Ryan a resolution before trial.
The proposed factual admission:
Ryan intentionally shoved Natalie from behind near the top of the staircase during an argument.
He knew she was seven months pregnant.
His conduct caused her to fall several steps and created a substantial risk of serious injury to her and the pregnancy.
No permanent injury occurred.
The phone recording was intentional, but the prosecution did not require Ryan to admit he had planned the shove.
Correct.
Recommended resolution:
A felony reckless-endangerment or aggravated-assault disposition under the applicable state statute, potentially reduced depending plea structure.
Custodial exposure.
Probation afterward.
Anger-management.
No unlawful contact.
Restitution for uncovered medical and counseling expenses.
Ryan refused one phrase:
“Intentionally shoved.”
He wanted:
“Made physical contact.”
His attorney told him:
“The video shows both hands.”
Ryan said:
“I wanted her to turn around.”
The prosecutor declined.
Trial.
My father begged him to take the deal.
That was the first time Dad stopped protecting him from consequence.
Ryan answered:
“You already chose Daniel.”
The entire family conflict condensed into six words.
Not Natalie.
Not baby.
Daniel.
Ryan had spent years believing attention was a finite inheritance.
If I built a family of my own, he lost.
May you like
That belief had nothing to do with Natalie.
She was simply visible enough to blame.
